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Alexforbes Expands Manager Watch™ Series with Discretionary Fund Managers (DFM) Survey Launch

21 January 2025 Alexforbes

Alexforbes has announced the launch of its new Discretionary Fund Managers (DFM) Manager Watch™ survey, marking a significant step in its commitment to delivering valuable insights to the investment industry.

Building on the success of its Institutional and Retail Manager Watch™ surveys, this initiative further strengthens Alexforbes’ position as a trusted provider of comprehensive, up-to-date performance data for independent financial advisers (IFAs) and investors. Recognising the ongoing challenges of performance measurement and transparency in the DFM industry, the survey introduces innovative solutions, including addressing the critical issue of appropriate benchmarking.

Survey categories
The DFM Manager Watch™ survey adopts a structure similar to the Retail Manager Watch™, categorising multi-asset class portfolios into four distinct groups:

• Low equity: Portfolios designed for conservative investors prioritising stability and reduced volatility, with lower equity exposure.
• Medium equity: Balanced portfolios catering to investors with moderate risk appetites, offering a measured approach to risk and reward.
• High equity: Portfolios aimed at investors with higher risk tolerance, seeking significant long-term growth but accepting increased volatility.
• Global-only balanced: Portfolios focused on globally diversified investments.

The survey also features a Global-only equities category.

The October 2024 DFM Manager Watch™ survey includes four Discretionary Fund Managers, represented by 41 portfolios, with total assets under management (AuM) of R45 billion. Looking ahead, the November 2024 survey will be more comprehensive as two additional DFMs have confirmed their participation. As the survey evolves, additional categories, including specialist asset classes such as Bonds, Equity, Money Market, and Property, will be introduced.

Addressing industry challenges
The introduction of the DFM Manager Watch™ survey reaffirms Alexforbes’ commitment to tackling key industry challenges, such as the need for transparency and robust benchmarking. By delivering actionable insights and enhancing the understanding of performance metrics, Alexforbes continues to provide a trusted resource for IFAs and investors.

The launch of the DFM Manager Watch™ survey reaffirms Alexforbes’ commitment to addressing key industry challenges, particularly the need for transparency and robust benchmarking. By delivering actionable insights and enhancing the understanding of performance metrics, Alexforbes continues to be a trusted resource for IFAs and investors.

Don Andrews, head of the Alexforbes Investment Survey team, commented: ‘The DFM Manager Watch™ survey is a significant development for the industry, addressing long-standing gaps in performance reporting and benchmarking. This initiative underscores our commitment to equipping IFAs and investors with reliable data and deeper insights, ultimately fostering a more transparent and informed investment environment.’

Watch survey here...

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